10 Things You Didn’t Know About Hunter Hayes

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Hunter Hayes

Here’s what we know about Hunter Hayes: at the age of 21, he’s already become a country superstar, thanks in part to his successful self-titled debut released in 2011. But it’s not just hits like “Wanted” and “Somebody’s Heartbreak” that have fans swooning over the Louisiana native, he also possesses boyish good looks and the charm of a Southern gentleman.

Despite his current spot in country music’s A-list, there are a bunch of little-known facts about him that have slipped under the radar–until now. Here are 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Hunter Hayes.

1. He collects accordions.

Hunter discovered music at the age of two when his grandmother gave him a toy accordion. Whenever his prized accordion broke, his dad would buy another one and use the parts to fix the original one. As a result, Hayes estimates he has around 20-30 accordions.

2. He can fly.

In his free time he enjoys flying planes, and he’s currently working towards earning a pilot’s license.

3. He started young.

Hunter joined his first band when he was only four years old, eager to perform for anyone who would listen.

4. He’s a one man band--almost.

Hayes plays over 30 instruments! The only musical venture he hasn’t mastered are woodwind instruments like the saxophone. At 21 years old, he’s got plenty of time to learn.

5. He’s always had famous fans.

As a four-year-old, he joined Hank Williams, Jr. on stage, where he sang and played the accordion.

6. He’s also a movie star.

Playing an accordion, he briefly appears in My Dog Skip with Frankie Muniz.

7. He’s no stranger to TV cameras.

When he was a kid, he was a guest on Maury twice. He was also a guest on the ‘90s Nickelodeon game show, Figure It Out.

8. His first guitar was a gift from an Academy Award winner.

As a six-year-old, he was cast in The Apostle after being sighted playing at a restaurant by Robert Duvall, who gave Hayes his very first guitar.

9. He’s got a good luck charm.

After his friend gave him a cross necklace inscribed with a message about loving music about six or seven years ago, he considers crosses his good luck charm.

10. Caffeine keeps him going.

Hayes is a self-proclaimed coffee addict, but he’s not all that into candy.